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Teamsters Strike Overnite Terminals

Workers at six Overnite terminals began an unfair labor practice strike Monday evening.

The six terminals - Atlanta, Memphis, Marietta, Kansas City, Indianapolis and North Atlanta - employ approximately 1,250 drivers and dock workers and represent about 16% of Overnite's 8,200 drivers and dock workers, according to the Teamsters.Overnite says despite the appearance of pickets, it is continuing to service customers at all service centers. The company has initiated a strike contingency plan, moving employees from around the system to the affected areas and bringing in additional temporary workers.Even as Overnite put contingency plans into action, workers at the Marietta, GA, service center returned to work yesterday morning, ending their walkout in less than one day. Overnite Senior Vice President-Operations Gordon Mackenzie said the rapid deployment of company volunteers, coupled with employees who crossed picket lines to work, allowed for fully staffed operations by Tuesday evening.Currently, the Teamsters says it represents approximately 40% of Overnite dock workers and drivers at 38 Overnite terminals (21 certified, four certification pending, 13 bargaining orders.) Overnite, however, says the Teamsters represent only 14% of the company's total workforce of more than 12,500 people, and are the certified bargaining agents for employees at only 21 of the company's 166 locations.